* Think of how very unlikely harm is to come to you or your loved ones

For Children:

* Tell them that they really are safe.* Keep to your usual routines.

* Keep them from seeing too many frightening pictures of the events.

* Teach them repeatedly not to play with white powder as a joke or prank. It is
not funny. It is illegal. It is disrespectful to their country and their fellow man.

* Teach them to respect all people including Muslims and those appear to be
"Persian".

How do I know if I need professional mental health help?

There is no simple way you can be sure about this, but here are some guidelines,
any one of which might suggest it to be worthwhile to have an assessment visit
with a mental health professional:

* Being an actual, direct victim of terrorism

* Excessive nightmares about terrorism

* Loss of normal emotions toward loved ones

* Feeling numb emotionally

* Unusual change in sleep habits or appetite

* Excessive fatigue

* Loss of interest in usual activities

* Unusual startling to sudden noises

* Excessive crying or guilt feelings.

* Can't go to work

* Drinking alcohol excessively or taking non-prescribed drugs

* Persons who know you intimately think you should get help

What might a mental health professional do to help me?

Most people will not require treatment by a mental health professional.
Unfortunately, a few persons who were actual victims of injury or who were
there and witnessed the injury of others may suffer from post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be treated with talk therapy, medication, or both.
Talk therapy is special counseling or psychotherapy. Some of these persons may
benefit from a PTSD medication such as Paxil (paroxetine) or fluoxetine. Some
persons may require anxiety medications such as alprazolam. Depressed patients
may require an antidepressant, for example, Celexa (citalopram), Effexor XR
(venlafaxine), Paxil (paroxetine), Remeron, or Wellbutrin (buproprion).

Seeking help.

What kind of health care professional should I see if I want a consultation?

The first step should be to have a medical evaluation to determine the proper
diagnosis. Your family physician is the good place to start. Tell him or her what has been happening to you and that you wonder if you might
have PTSD, depression or another anxiety disorder. Print this document, circle
the items that concern you, and show it to the doctor.

After the evaluation perhaps the doctor will tell you that you do have a
disorder. Then what? You may wish to see a psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists are physicians (MD's or DO's). A psychiatrist who is experienced
in treating such disorders is perhaps the most qualified single professional to
deal with the problem. There is a national shortage of psychiatrists. There may not be one in your area, or your HMO may not allow you to be seen by
one of their psychiatrists. In these instances, seeing your regular doctor for
medication and consulting a psychologist for cognitive-behavior therapy is
good. Psychologists are not physicians (instead of M.D. or D.O., they may have other
abbreviations after their name such as Ph.D. or Ed.D. or Psy.D.). If a psychologist isn't available for therapy, a social worker that is familiar
with this therapy can be very helpful.

Terrorism is a terrible and evil thing. We all despise those who have inflicted this scourge on today's world. We look forward to days when we all feel a little safer at home and abroad. Until that time there are things we can and must do to help our loved ones our
neighbors and ourselves. I hope this information has helped you.

IF THIS HELPED YOU, WE ARE GLAD.AS A FAVOR, BE GENEROUS. HELP US TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING OF OTHERS.

Your tax-deductible contributions help us to stay in operation to help victims
of terrorism and war and other suffering caused by fear and anxiety. Please send your contribution to the National Anxiety Foundation, 3135 Custer
Drive, Lexington, KY 40517. Your cancelled check is your receipt.

The National Anxiety Foundation (NAF) is a national, non-profit, anxiety -
medical health education organization dedicated to those afflicted with anxiety
disorders. The officers and board members of the NAF work without pay, donating
their time and talents for the betterment of their fellow man. The US Internal
Revenue Service recognizes NAF as a tax-exempt humanitarian educational
organization. Federal tax ID # 62-1439579

Disclaimer

The information on this Web site is presented for educational purposes only. It
is not a substitute for informed medical advice or training. Do not use this
information to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a
qualified health or mental health care provider.

All information contained on these pages is for you, the public domain, unless
explicit notice is given to the contrary, and may be copied and distributed
without restriction. It's what we do to help humanity.

All material published by the National Anxiety Foundation may be reproduced free
of charge. Our goal is to educate the public and professionals about anxiety
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